Switch construction and mechanism therefor



March 21, 1961 R, H JQRDAN v 2,976,377

SWITCH CONSTRUCTION AND MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed July 23, 1957 2Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. RICHARD H. JORDAN di? l TTORNEYS March 2l, 1961R. H. JORDAN 2,976,377

SWITCH CONSTRUCTION AND MECHANISM THEREFOR Filed July 23, 1957 2Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

40 90 96 97 l.vn" ATTORNEYS 90 4o 9G 97 RICHARD H, JORDAN SWITCHCONSTRUCTION AND MECHANISM THEREFR Richard H. Jordan, Mansfield, Ohio,assigner to Kingston Products Corporation, Kokomo, Ind., a corporationof Indiana Filed .uly 23, 1957, Ser. No. 673,658 23 Claims., (Cl.20D-38) This invention relates generally to time switch mechanisms, andmore speciiically to improved gear and switch construction incorporatedtherein.

Although the principles of the present invention may be included invarious timers or rotary switches, a particularly useful application ismade in timers of the types that are constructed to controlconsecutively the washing and drying programs of a combinationwasher-dryer appliance. In particular, such a combination applianceshouldy preferably include such controls as are necessary to enable theoperator to selectively operate such device either as a washer alone, adryer alone, or as a combination washer-dryer, which combinationappliance control carries out the drying program upon completion of thewashing program. Further, in any one of these uses, the operator shouldbe able to select the duration of the main wash-cycle and duration ofthe main drying cycle, such selection being independently made for eachof the programs and such selection or advancement `of the program beingable-to be made at any point during` the respective programs.

The present invention contemplates the utilization of a motor-drivenrotary-cam-actuated switch, having the requisite number of switchcircuits adapted for connection to the various controls of theappliance. In the instant embodiment, two such rotary selector switchesare driven by a common motor or source of power, the power beingsupplied from the motor, through a gear train, and thence to one of thecams. Upon such one cams reaching a'predetermined point, a pivotal linkupon which a portion of the gear train is carried, is moved byy abiasing force into such recessed portion, ,thereby disengaging the geartrain from the rst cam and engaging a gear which drives the second cam.The cams employed herein are of the type which have radially spacedtracks on one side thereof, such tracks lying adjacent to a portion ofthe frame which carries various switch blades. The portion of the framehas one or more apertures through each of which a cam follower slidablyshuttles to engage the corresponding cam track and one of the blades ofa switch with which it registers.

The instant embodiment further includes manual means for advancing theposition of each of the cams, such means being concentrically disposedwith respect to each other. The motor operates at a relatively highspeed and therefore the gearing connected thereto reduces the speed ofthe source of power to a somewhat slower more appropriate speed for thecams. If an attempt be made to manually rotate a cam in a reversedirection, the force is Iapplied tothe gear train with a mechanicaldisadvantage whereby .the gear train itself prevents reverse rotation ofthe selector knob. However, when the knob is rotated in the oppositedirection manually, the pivotally movable link member shifts to permitone gear to disengage, whereby the program cam may be ad- Vanced.

Accordingly, it is lan object. of the present invention atent O toprovide a timer for a combination washer-dryer appliance.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved timerfor both the consecutive and alternative control of two programs.

YetA another object is the provision of a mechanical movement fortransferring power first to one driven member vand thereafter toanother.

Still another object is the provision of a driven mechanical movementwhich may be overridden at a point other than where the power normallyis applied, such overriding being possible in only one direction,namely, the direction in which the movement normally is driven.

Another object is the provision of a rotary cam actuated switch.

A still further object is the provision of means for translating theprofile of a cam to a switch mechanism.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fast actingswitch which is actuated by a slow acting movement.

Many other advantages, features and additional objects of the presentinvention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon makingreference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets ofdrawings in which a preferred structural embodiment incorporating theprinciples of the present invention is shown by way of illustrativeexample.

On the drawings:

Figure 1 is `an elevational view of a timer provided in accordance withthe principles of the present invention, the cover of such timer beingpartially broken away to expose various interior components inelevation;

Figure 2 is an end View taken along line II-II of Figure l;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the axial components of Figure l,the other components being omitted for the sake of clarity;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional View, partially in elevation, of a gearmechanism by which motion may be transferred consecutively to each of apair of driven gears;

Figure 5 is a view taken along line V-V of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a view taken along line VI--VI of Figure 4;

Figure 7 corresponds to Figure 5, but with the parts in a diierentrelative position;

Figure 8, partially in elevation and partially in crosssection, is anenlarged representation of a switch detail;

Figure 9 is a view taken along line IX-IX of Figure 8;

Figures 10 and 11 correspond to Figure 8, but with the components in adifferent relative position; and

Figure 12 illustrates a section of the face of the cam shown in Figure8.

As shown on the drawings:

The principles of this invention are particularly useful when embodiedin a timer assembly such as illustrated in Figure l, generally indicatedby the numeral 20. While the principles of this invention are thusillustrated in a gear driven rotary cam type of structure, it willbecome apparent from the description which follows that principlesdisclosed herein may also be incorporated in timers employing otherfrictional means than gears, and in timers employing other types ofmotion than rotary.

The timer generally includes a frame Z1, a motor 22, a washing controlsprogram portion 23, and a drying controls program portion 24.

The frame 21 includes a pair of sidewalls 25 and 26, a pair of removablecovers 27 and 28, and a pair of end plates 29 and 30. A pair of framescrews 31 and 32 draw the end plates 29 and 30 together, the end plates29 and 30 having suitable apertures and the sidewalls 25 and 26`havingsuitable projections extending therein to positively determine theirrelative positions. Preferably, the sidewalls 25, 26 and the covers 27,28 comprise electrically insulative material.

- The frame assembly 21 further includes a portion or member 33, forexample of molded nylon, which has a plurality of projections '34extending through similar aperturesrin the sidewalls 25 and 26; Asimilar frame portion or member 35 is disposed on one side of theportion 33 and spaced therefrom by a lplurality of spacers 36. A furtherframe portion or member'37 is alsovsimilarly carried by the sidewalls 25and 26, while another rigid plate 38, having a central aperture, issimilarly carried in spaced relation to the frame portion 37. Aplurality of spacers are carried intermediate the portion 37 and theplate 38 ina manner similar tothat in which the spacers 36 are carried.The length of the spacers 36, and of the other spacers intermediate themembers 37 and 38 determines the distance between such` members, suchspacers being secured in any convenient manner, such as by screws (notshown) extending through the various frame members.

Intermediate the framemembers 33- and 35, there is carried a washingprogram cam 39, which cam may bear against the adjacent faces of theframe members 33 and 35. Intermediate the frame members 37 and 38, thereis carried a drying program cam 40 Which may bear against the adjacentfaces of the members 37 and 38 Thus the frame members 33, 35 and 37 eachhave one face which may bear against a program cam. The opposite side orface of the frame members 33, 35 and 37 provides an insulative face towhich the various switch assemblies and electrical terminals may beattached. Of course various jumper wires (not shown) or bus bars may beused, e.g. to extend from any terminal to any switch assembly. Thus theframe member 33 supports a plurality of terminals 41 and at least oneswitch assembly, e.g. a switch assembly 42. The frame member 35 supportsa plurality of terminals 43, and one or more switch assemblies' 44. Theframe member 37 supports a plurality of terminals 45, and at least oneswitch assembly 46. Y

The timer 28' may be secured to a wall W having a bracket B as by aplurality of screws S which project into the end plate Z9, the wall Wcomprising a portion of the appliance which the timer is tocontrol.

The motor 2K2 is of conventional design, and typically includes a geartrain within its Vcase so thatY its output speed is relatively slow. v Yv Referring now to Figure 3, the axial components of the timer assemblyZtl include the end plates 29 and 30, the frame portions 33, 35, 37, and38, between pairs of which are carried the cams 39 and 40. This viewalso shows the relatively large space which is available on one side ofthe member portions 33, 35 and 37 for the disposition of the variousterminals and switch assemblies (not shown in this view). e

The washing program cam 39 has a pair of annular portions 47 whichextend into apertures inthe members 33 and 35 and are journaled thereby.'The cam 39 has a central aperture, for example of double-Dlconfiguration, through which a shaft 48 drivingly extends. The shaft 48is journaled by the end plate 29 of the frame at one end, and thus isjournaled by the cam 39 at the other end. The shaft 48 extends throughthe wall W of the appliance, and a knob 50 is secured to the outer endthereof as by a set screw 49. The knob 50 has an annular finger grippingportion 51, preferably of transparent construction. As shown in Figure2, the finger gripping portion 51 of the knob 50 has an index mark 52which registerswith a plurality of' scale markings 53 associated withthe wall W.

Referring again to Figure 3, the shaft 48 has on its opposite end adrive gear 54, locked thereon by a set screw 55 and also havingrotational driving engagement with the shaft 48 as by means of anasymmetrical bore in the gear 54 and a correspondingly shaped inner endportion of the shaft 48. Y

The shaft 48 is hollow, and received therein is a second shaft 56 whichprojects axially therefrom at both ends. The outer end of the shaft 56is journaled within the shaft 48 and carries a knob 57 which is securedthereto as by means of a set screw 58.

As best seen in Figure 2, the knob 57 has a ange portion 59 on whichthere is an index mark 60 which registers with a plurality of scalemarkings 61 carried by the wall W of the appliance, and visible throughthe transparent finger portion 5l of the knob 50.

Referring again to Figure 3, it will be seen that the other end of theshaft 56 is journaled by the inner end of the shaft 48, and adjacent tosuch journaled portion, has an annular groove in which there is receiveda lock ring 62 which bears against the end of the shaft 48 to limitrelative axial movement therebetween in one direction and to apply anaxial force. 'Ihe inner end of the shaft 56 further includes an enlargedportion 63 to which a gear 64 is secured as by a set screw 65. The gear64 has an annular portion 66 which is journaled by the frame portion 37.The drying program cam 40 is secured to one face of the gear 64 as bymeans of a plurality of rivets 67. Thus the annular portion 66 couldcomprise either a part of the gear 64 or of the cam 40, whereby theannular portion 66 is journaled by the frame portion 37. If desired, theinnermost end of the shaft 56 may be piloted in the end plate 30 as at68, and a compression spring 69 provided to bear between the end plate30 and one face of the drive gear 64 which has an annular portion aroundwhich the spring ts. The spring 69 imparts an axial thrust to the gear64 to give it a slight friction in a rotational direction, to therebyprevent rotational displacement thereof due to any vibration which maybe present in the appliance.

Thus the manual knob 57 and the gear 64 may be used to rotate the cam 40with respect to the member 37, while the knob 49 and the drive gear 54may be used to rotate the cam 39 between the frame member portions 33and 35. The friction between the two shafts 48 and 56 is less than thefriction acting on the shafts or components secured thereto directly,whereby rotation of the one shaft does not cause any rotation of theother shaft.

Referring now to Figure 4, the drive gear 54 is shown carried by theshaft 48, While the drive gear 64 is shown carried by the shaft 56.These gears are thus disposed intermediate the end plate 30 and theportion 35 of the frame. The motor ZZ has a pinion 70 projecting througha bushing 71 which is carried by the end plate 30. The frame portion 35has a pin 72 directed toward the motor pinion 70. The pin '72 and themotor pinion 70 are axially aligned and are radially offset from theaxis of the shafts 48 and 56, as best shown in Figure l.

A relatively movable link or member 73 is yieldably biased toward theteeth of the drive gears 54 amd64 by a spring 74. The spring 74 is anextension spring which acts between the member 73 and any convenientstationary portion of the timer, such as one of the screws 31, to pivotthe member 73 about the pin 72 and the bushing 71, the spring 74 therebyapplying a force which has a vector component directed toward the teethorfengaging portion of the gears 54 and 64. While the member 73 has beenshown as comprising a pivotal link, it is to be understood that asimilar result may be achieved by the use of an appropriatelyconstructed reciprocably carried and biased member. The link 73 supportsa rotatable driving means 75, here comprising gearing which isengageable with the drive gears 54 and 64 in a manner presently to bedescribed. The rotatable driving means comprises a shaft 76 on which iscarried co-rotatable geared portions or engaging portions. The first ofthese portions comprises a gear 77 engageable with the drive gear 54, inthe instant embodiment to drive the washingcontrol portion of the timer.The second portion comprises a gear 78 engageable withl the drive gear64 to drivel the drying control portion of the instant timer. The thirdportion comprises a gear 79 driven by a gear and pinion assembly 80which engages the motor pinion 70 and which is supported by a pin 81carried by the pivotal link 73. Thus upon rotation of the pinion 70, thegear train including gear and pinion 80, the gear 79, and the shaft 76rotates to turn the drive gears 54 and 64.

Referring to Figure 5, the relatively movable link or member 73 is shownas being pivotable about the axis of the motor pinion 70, whichtransmits motion to the gear and pinion assembly 80, which in turnengages the gear 79 to rotate the -shaft 76 and the gear 77. The gear 77engages the drive gear 54, and the spring 74 urges the link 73 in acounterclockwise direction as vshown to maintain the engagement betweenthe gear 54 and the gear 77. It will be noted that the radius of thegear 77 plus the radius of the gear S4 limits the counter-clockwisemovement of the movable member 73 to the position shown.

Referring to Figure 6, there is shown a condition which occurssimultaneously with that illustrated in Figure 5. It can be seen thatthe gear 64 has a radius which added to the radius of the gear 78 isless than the sum of the radii of the gears 54, 77, so that under thecondition illustrated Vin Figure 5, the gear 78 does not engage thedrive gear 64. Thus under this condition, the motor 22 can drive onlythe gear 54, the gear 64 remaining stationary due to friction. However,under this condition, the knob 57 may be rotated to turn the shaft 56against such friction to thereby allow the manual presetting of the gear64 and the cam 40 to any selected position.

If manual torque be applied to the knob 50, any torque tending to turnthe shaft 48 and the gear 54 in a counterclockwise direction will alsocause the pivotal link 73 to tend'to turn in the same direction, therebyinsuring tighter engagement of the gears 54 and 77. The motor inertiaand the inertiaof the rather long gear train, acting through themechanical disadvantage of the entire train, precludes rotation of thegear in such direction. On the other hand, if the shaft 48 and the gear54 are rotated in a clockwise direction, the teeth of the gear 54 and ofthe gear 77 coact to cam the pivotal link 73 in a clockwise direction,against the bias of the spring 74, to let the gears slip relatively byan amount equal to one tooth. Continued application of clockwise torquecauses repetition of the sequence so as to obtain or permit clockwisemanual selection or pre-positioning of the drive cam 54.

The drive cam 54 further includes a recessed zone or zone ofnon-engagement 82 with which the gear 77 will mate upon rotation of thegear 54. This mating will occur whether the gear 54 has been rotatedclockwise by the knob or by the gear 77. When teeth of the gear 77register with the recessed Zone 82, further driving of the gear 54ceases. It would be noted that the depth of the zone 82 is greater thanthe height of the gear teeth, so that when the gear 77 registers withthe zone 82 the spring 74 urges the link 73 in a counterclockwisedirection by a small increment of arc as shown in Figure 7. Under thisset of conditions, the gear 77 rotates ineffectively adjacent to thegear 54, there being no driving engagement with the zone 82. At the sametime, the gear 78 has been brought into engagement withthe gear 64 toadvance it so that it may drive the second or drying program cam of thetimer.

With the parts relatively ydisposed or arranged as shown in Figure 7,when a torque is applied in a counterclockwise direction to the shaft56, the gear 64 draws the pivotal link 73 in a counterclockwisedirection to preclude disengagement of the gear 78 from the gear 64.However, when a clockwise torque is applied to the shaft 56, the teethof the gears 78 and 64 coact to cam the pivotal link 73 in a clockwisedirection against the force of the biasing spring 74 to allow the teethto slip one at a time, thereby permitting the clockwise rotation of thegear 64 to a selected position. Manual rotation of shaft 48 and hence ofthe gear 54 in a normal direction reestablishes the engagement of theteeth of the gear 54 and the gear 77 as well as the disengagement of theteeth of the gears 64 and 78.

Referring again to Figure 1, and more specifically to the switch means46, it can be seen that there is a cam follower 83 included intermediatethe cam 40 and one of the blades of the switch 46, the cam follower 83being received within an elongated aperture in the frame portion 37.With this switch structure, a camrise causes lifting of the cam follower83 which closes the switches, while a cam drop restores the open switchcondition illustrated.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is illustrated an enlarged showing of aswitch employing two cam followers. In this figure, there is shown apair of switch blades 84 and 85 each having an electrical contact 86 and87 respectively at one end thereof and aligned with the other contact.The blades 84 and 85 are supported insulatively as by the frame portion37. Each of the blades 84 and 85 have an intermediate portion 88 and 89laterally spaced from each other. Each of the blades is biased toward acam track in the cam 40. Thus the portion 37 of the frame extendsintermediate the tracks and blades. The portion 37 has a pair ofradially disposed axially extending elongated apertures 90 and 91, bestseen in Figure 3, each registering with one track and with oneintermediate blade portion. Within each of the elongated apertures 90and 91, there is an elongated cam follower 92 and 93 respectively whichare wipingly engageable with the blade and with the cam track. As bestseen in Figure 9, each of the cam followers 92 and 93 has anasymmetrical cross-section. The use of such cross-sections preventsrotation of the cam followers within their respective apertures, and.prevents the insertion of a given cam follower in the wrong position,particularly Where, as shown in Figure 8, the cam follower has a slopingsurface for engaging the cam track. When the cam followers 92 and 93differ in length, the use of the two asymmetrical forms also precludesthe installation of the incorrect part at time of assembly.

Referring to Figures 8 and 12, it can be seen that each of the cams,e.g. cam 40, includes a plurality of concentrically disposed cam tracks,e.g. 94 and 95, on which the various cam followers, e.g. 92 and 93 ride.As shown in Figure 8, when the cam follower 92 is caused to moveupwardly, the switches remain closed. Accordingly, the cam follower 93may also be moved upwardly at substantially the same time. Upon relativerotation of the cam with respect to the frame in the direction indicatedby the arrows, the cam follower 92 reaches a precipitous drop 96 so thatthe switch blade 85, acting under the influence of its bias, rapidlymoves to an open position when the cam follower drops. Figure 10illustrates this condition just an instant before the cam follower 92has dropped, to set up the switch condition shown in Figure 1'1.Thereafter, a slight rotation of the cam 40 with respect to the camfollower, causes the cam follower 93 to slip oif the precipitous drop 97to reclose the contacts as shown in Figure 8. The cams themselves may beconstructed of a platelike member having raised portions serving astracks. However, in the instant embodiment, the cams have been molded toform a thicker member wherein the tracks represent recesses in thesurface. The cam 39 is constructed similarly to the cam 40, except thatit has a plurality of recessed tracks on each side of the cam. The exactnumber and length and relationship between the various cam tracks isdependent of course upon the desired program.

In a typical embodiment, current to the timer motor and the appliancecontrols may be provided by a switch which closes when the gear 54 ismanually rotated out of the position shown in Figure 7. The gear 54 maybe further advanced to eliminate or shorten any portion of the washingprogram, for example, the duration of the main washing cycle. If dryingis also desired, the knob 57 or drying knob may be preset to the desiredperiod of drying time, represented by the angular position of the cam 40with respect to one of the switches actuated by it. Upon completion ofthe Washing time, which may be optionally set between zero and the limitof the mechanisrn, the pivotal link shifts from driving the washercontrol portion 23 to driving the dryer control portion 24. It'willbe'noted that a higher gear ratio has been used to ,drive the dryingportion of the washer, so that a somewhat longer total dryingptime isavailable than is the duration of theentire Washing cycle.

In any event, after the desired washing and drying times have beenmanually selected, the motor 22, operating through the gear trainrotates the drive gear 54 of the washing control portion 23 until therecess 82 registers withY the gear 77. At this point, the spring 74causes the movable member 73 to shift to a point where the gear 77 doesnot drive the gear S4, but where the gear 78 engages the gear 64 torotate the drying portion of the timer.

Even though either the gear 54 or the gear 64 is engaged with the drivemeansv 75, such engaged gear may be advanced manually since theadvancing force causes the link 73 to move against the bias of itsspring 74 to permit such rotational advancement. When the gear 78 isdisengaged as shown in Figure 6', the dryer controldrive gear 64 may befreely advanced. Should this gear be rotated in a reverse direction,such rotation can continue until one ofV the cam followers, e.g. 93,engages one of the precipitous drops, e.g. 97, such motion being in thedirection opposite to the arrow.

The principles of switch design disclosed herein may be used to provideeither a slow close and fast open switch as shown in Figure 1, or a fastclose and fast open switch as shown in Figure 8. Of course theseprinciples may be utilized in more complex switches employing additionalblades with insulative members therebetween, for example switch 44,shown in Figure l.

While the invention has been described as having utility in connectionwith the operation of a combination washer-dryer appliance, as a meansto control the electrical components thereof, it is to be understoodthat such description is by way of illustration and not by way oflimitation. Thus this invention may be used to control any device havingtwo programs to be executed consecutively.

Accordingly, the washing program cam 39 may therefore comprise anyrotatable means controlling a rst program, and the drying program cam 40can likewise comprise rotatable means for controlling a second program.

lt is to be `further understood that the mechanical movement of Figure 4may be varied considerably without departing from the novel concepts ofthe instant invention. Thus the drive lgear 54 may be any iirst elementor gear to be driven. Further this element may be any generally circularbody associated `with means to be rotated and having an engagement zone,lfor example a toothed portion in the instance of a gear. The engagementzone has a recessed zone 'within its periphery wherein there is nodriving engagement. Likewise the gear 64 may comprise any secondgenerally circular body or element associated with a rotatable means tobe driven, and when it comprisesa gear, its engagement zone would haveteeth.

Itis to be `further understood that the detailed construction of therotatable driving means 7 5 may be varied considerably trom that shown.By way of example, in the instant embodiment, this mechanism is used toprovide both a changeover from driving one gear to driving the secondgear and also for permitting manual advancement ofthe one cam withrespect to the gear train. IIE only the latter feature is required in agiven embod-iment, either gear 77 or 7 8 could be omitted. Further,gears 77 and 78 may be combined into a single gear providing that gears64 and 54 are closely adjacentand that gear 54 has the larger diameter.

Further, some of the principles of this invention can be used inconstructing a rotatable selector switch. Thus if the motor and thegearing be eliminated, such is the result. Y'

Although various minor moditications might be suggested by those versedin the art, it should be understood that I wish to embody within thescope of the patent iwarranted herein all such embodiment as reasonablyand properly come within the scope of my contribution to the art.

I claim as my invention:

1. A program timer `for the electrical components of a device comprisingin combination: a rst program cam and a separately movable secondprogram cam; switch means operated by each of said cams, and havingmeans for connection to the electrical components to be controlled; aiirst drive gear connected to said rst program cam and rotatabletherewith; a second drive gear connected to said second program cam androtatable therewith; a pivotable link biased toward the peripheries ofsaid drive gears; Igearing carried by said llink and engageable withsaid'iirst drive gear to rotate said lirst cam; means driving saidgearing; and a recess in the periphery of said first drive gear forreceiving a portion of said driven gearing. said recess permitting saidgearing to pivot toward said drive gears for drivingly engaging saidsecond drive gear.

2. A program timer for a device having two consecutive programs, saidtimer comprising in combination: a rst rotatable means for controllingthe first program, and a second separately rotatable means forcontrolling the second program; a pair of generally circular rotatablebodies each individually associated with one said rotatable meansrespectively to eect rotation thereof and each having an engagementzone; a relatively movable member yieldably biased toward saidengagement zone of said rotatable bodies; third rotatable means carriedby said member and drivin-gly engageable with the engagement zone ofonly one of said bodies to rotate said first rotatable means; means fordriving said third rotatable means; and a recessed zone ofnon-engagement in said one of said bodies for receiving a portion ofsaid third rotatable means, said recessed zone permitting said thirdrotatable means to move relatively to and to disengage said one body andto move into driving engagement with the engagementl zone of only theother of said rotatable bodies.

3. A program timer for a device having two consecutive programs, saidtimer comprising in combination: a first means for controlling the rstprogram and a second separate means for controlling the second program;first and second driving means, each one being respectively drivinglyassociated with only said iirst and second controlling means and movabletherewith, each of said iirst and second drivin-g means having4 aportion with teeth; a member yieldably biased toward said teeth, saidmember being relatively movable in the general direction of said bias;third driving means carried by said member and engageable with the teethof said rst driving means to move only said iirst controlling means;means for driving said third driving means; and a recessed zone in saidirst driving means and aligned with the teeth thereof for receiving aportion of said third driving means, said recessed zone permitting saidthird driving means to move relatively to said first driving means inthe direction of said bias into driving engagement with the teeth ofsaid second driving means lfor moving only said second controllingmeans.

4. A mechanical movement comprising in combination: a first element tobe driven and a second element to be driven, each of said elementshaving a portion with teeth; a member yieldably biased toward saidteeth, said member being relatively movable in the general direction ofsaid bias; driving means carried by said member and t9, drivinglyengageable with the teeth of said first element and `spaced from theteeth of said second element; and a recessed zone in said first elementextending a substantialdistance beneath the roots of Several of saidteeth thereof and aligned with the teeth thereof for receiving a portionof said driving means, said recessed zone permitting said driving meansto move relatively to said first element in the direction of said biasinto driving engagement with the teeth of said second element.

5. -A mechanical movement comprising in combination: a first generallycircular rotatable element to be driven and a second generally circularrotatable element to be driven, each of said elements having anengagement zone; a relatively movable member yieldably biased towardsaid engagement zones of said rotatable elements; rotatable drivingmeans carried by said member and drivingly engageable with theengagement zone of only said first element for rotating said firstelement; and a recessed zone of non-engagement in said first element forreceiving a portion of said` driving means, said recessed zonepermitting said driving means to move relatively to and to disengagesaid first element and to move into driving engagement with theengagement zone of only said second element.

6. A mechanical movement comprising in combination: a first dri-ve -gearto be rotated and a second drive gear to be rotated; a link pivotablybiased toward the periphery of said drive gears; gearing carried by saidlink and engageable with only said first gear to drive it, said gearingbeing then adjacent to the teeth of said second drive gear and radiallyspaced therefrom; and a recess in the periph ery of said first gear forreceiving a portion of said gearing, said recess permitting said gearingto pivot toward said drive gears for driving engagement with only saidsecond gear.

7. A mechanical movement for automatically driving only a second toothedelement after only a first toothed element has been ydriven thereby to apredetermined position, including in combination: `a member yieldablybiased toward the teeth of the elements, said member being relativelymovable in the general direction of said bias; driving means carried bysaid member and having three engaging portions, the first of which isdrivingly engageable with the teeth of the first element, and isoperative to space the second engaging portion from the second element;a recessed zone aligned with the teeth of the rst element for receivingsaid first engaging portion in a nondriving relationship, said zonepermitting said driving means to move relatively to the first element inthe direction of said bias, and permitting the second of said engagingportions to move into driving engagement with the teeth of the secondelement; and means engageable with the third of said engaging portionsto move said driving means.

8. A mechanical movement for automatically driving only a secondgenerallycircular rotatable element after only a first generallycircular rotatable element has been driven thereby to a predeterminedposition, each of the elements having an engagement zone, including incombination: a relatively movable member yieldably biased toward theengagement zones of the rotatable elements; rotatable driving meanscarried by said member and having three engaging portions, the first ofwhich is `drivingly engageable with the engagement zone of the iirstelement for rotating the first element and for spacing the secondengaging portion Ifrom the second element; a recessed zone ofnon-engagement in the first element for receiving said first engagingportion of said driving means in a non-driving relationship, said Zonepermitting said driving means to move relatively to the first element inthe direction of said bias, and permitting the second of said engagingportions to move into driving engagement with the engagement zone of thesecond element; and means engageable with the third of said engagingportions to rotate said driving means.

9. A mechanical movement for automaticallyrotating only a second gearafter only a first gearV has been driven thereby to a predeterminedposition, including in combination: a link pivotably biased toward theVperiphery of the gears; a shaft rotatably carried by said link andhaving three shaft gears rotatable therewith, the first of which shaftgears is engageable with only said first gear to drive it and to spacethe second shaft gear from said second gear; a recess in the peripheryof the first gear for receiving a portion of said first shaft gear innon-driving relationship, said recess permitting said shaft and saidlink to pivot in the direction of said bias, and permitting the secondof said shaft gears to move into driving engagement with the secondgear; and means engageable with the third of said shaft gears to rotatesaid shaft.

l0. A program timer for the electrical components of a device comprisingin combination: a first program cam and a separately movable secondprogram cam; switch means operated by each of said cams, and havingmeans for connection to the electrical components to be controlled; apair of drive gears each respectively operative to rotate only one ofsaid cams and rotatable therewith; a pair of manually rotatable knobseach respectively drivingly associated with only one of said cams forselectable rotation thereof; and a mechanical movement means forrotating only said drive gear for said first program cam to -apredetermined position, and thereafter rotating only said drive gear forsaid second program cam.

ll. A program timer for the electrical components of a device comprisingin combination: a first program cam and a separately movable secondAprogram cam; switch means operated by each of said cams, and havingmeans for connection to the electrical components to be controlled; apair of drive gears each respectively operative to rotate only one ofsaid cams; a pair of manually rotatable shafts each respectivelydrivingly connected to only one of said cams for selectable rotationthereof, each of said shafts drivingly supporting one of said drivegears for rotation therewith; and a mechanical movement means forrotating only said drive gear for said first program cam to apredetermined position, and thereafter rotating only said drive gear forsaid second program cam.

l2. A program timer for the electrical components of a device comprisingin combination: a iirst'program cam and a separately movable secondprogram cam; switch meansoperatedby each of said cams, and having meansfor connection to the electrical components to be controlled; a pair ofdrive gears each respectively operative to rotate only one of said cams;a pair of manually rotatable shafts each respectively drivinglyconnected to only one of said cams for selectable rotation thereof, eachof said shafts drivingly supporting one of said drive gears for rotationtherewith; one of said shafts being axially hollow and receiving theother of said shafts therein; and a mechanical movement means forrotating only said drive gear for said first program cam to apredetermined position, and thereafter rotating only said drive gear forsaid second program cam.

13. A rotatable selector switch comprising in combination: a frame; acam having at least two radially disposed cam tracks on one sidethereof; a manually rotatable shaft journalled with respect to saidframe and having driving engagement with said cam for rotation thereof;a switch assembly carried by said frame, said switch comprising a pairof contact blades each having an electrical contact at one end thereofaligned with the other contact, said blades each being supportedinsulatedly from the other at the other end, said blades each having anintermediate portion laterally spaced from the intermediate portion ofthe other and each biased toward one of said cam tracks; said frameincluding a portion extending intermediate said pair of blades and saidcam tracks and having -a pair of elongated apertures therein eachregistering with one of said cam tracks and with one of saidintermediate blade portions; a cam follower reciprocably and'slidablyreceived in each of said apertures for wipingly engaging one of saidblades and one of said cam tracks; each of said tracks having aprecipitous drop whereby the one cam follower engaging that one of saidblades which has its contact closer to said track allows said one bladeto move rapidly under the iniiuence of its bias to open said contacts,and whereby the other cam follower allows said other blade to moverapidly under the influence of its bias to close said contacts.

14. In a rotary switch having a frame, a cam having at least twoadjacent cam tracks, and a rotatable shaft journalled with respect tothe frame and having driving engagement with the cam for drivingrotation thereof, the improvement comprising in combination: a pair ofcontact blades each having an electrical contact aligned with the othercontact, each of said blades being supported insulatedly from the otherat a point remote from said contact, said blades each having an engagingportion spaced from the engaging portion of the other; a member rigidlysupported with respect to the frame and extending intermediate said pairof blades and said cam tracks and having a pair of elongated aperturestherein each registering with one of said cam tracks and with one ofsaid engaging portions; a cam follower reciprocably and slidablyreceived in each of said apertures for engaging said registering camtrack and blade portion, said blades each being biased toward saidengaging cam follower; each of said tracks having a precipitous dropwhereby one of said i cam followers allows one of `said blades to moverapidly under the influence of its bias to open said contacts, andwhereby the other of said cam followers allows said other blade to moverapidly under the inuence of its bias to close said contacts.

15. In a rotary switch including a frame, a cam, a rotatable shaftjournalled with respect tothe frame and having driving engagement withthe cam for driving rotation thereof, `and a switch supported by theframe adjacent to the cam, said switch having a contact blade with amovable portion, the improvement comprising in combination: a memberrigidly supported with respect to the frame and extending intermediatethe cam and the contact blade, said member having an elongated aperturetherein registering with the cam and with the movable portion of thecontact blade; an elongated cam follower reciprocably and slidablyreceived in said aperture for engaging the cam and the movable portionof the blade, the blade being biased toward said `cam follower, wherebyupon rotation of the ca m, said' cam follower shuttles back and forth insaid aperture to operate the switch.

16. In a rotary switch including a frame, a cam, a rotatable shaftjournalled with respect to the frame and having driving engagement withthe cam for driving rotation thereof, and a switch supported by theframe adjacent to the cam, said switch having a contact blade with amovable portion, the improvement comprising in combination: a memberrigidly supported with respect to the frame and extending intermediatethe cam and the contact blade, said member having an elongated aperturetherein registering with the cam and with the movable portion of thecontact blade; an elongated cam follower reciprocably and slidablyreceived in said aperture for engaging the cam and the movable portionof the blade, the blade being biased toward said cam follower, saidaperture and said cam follower each having a corresponding asymmetricalcross-section to insure proper relationship; whereby upon rotation ofthe cam, said cam follower shuttles back and forth in said aperture tooperate the switch.

17. A rotary switchincluding in combination: a frame a generallycircular cam having a track on one side thereof; a rotatable shaftjournalled at one end with respect to said frame and having drivingengagement with said cam at a point remote from said one end for drivingrotation thereof; a member rigidly supported with respect to said frameand disposed against said one side of said cam; one of said cam and Saidmember having anaxially extending annular portion concentric with saidshaft and received within the other of said cam and said member tojournal the other end of said shaft; said member having an axiallyextending elongated aperture radially disposed from Vsaid annularportion and alignedV at one end with said cam track; a switch rigidlysupported with respect to said `frame and having a contact blade with amovable portion thereof aligned with and biased toward the other end ofsaid aperture; and an elongated cam follower received in said aperturefor engagement with said ca m track and said movable portion of saidswitch blade; whereby upon -rotation of the cam, said cam followershuttles back and forth in said aperture to operate said switch.

18. In a program timer including a motor, a program control cam, highreduction gearing including gears all of which are substantially rigidlyconnected together as a train, said gearing directly and positivelyconnecting the motor to the cam for rotation thereby, and a manuallyrotatable shaft having driving engagement with the cam for manualsetting thereof, the improvement for allowing manual cam rotation in onedirection while preventing cam rotation in the opposite direction, saidimprovement comprising in combination: a relatively movable memberyieldably biased toward a rst gear of said gearing, said first gearbeing corotatable with said shaft and said program cam, a second gear ofsaid gearing intermediate the motor and said first ygear being rotatablycarried by said member and yieldably engageable under the influence ofsaid bias with said first gear; said member being so constructed andarranged that manual rotation of the shaft and said iirst gear in saidone direction moves said member against its bias to allow the teeth ofsaid yfirst gear to slip one at a time with respect to said second gear,while a torque from 'the shaft and said first gear in said oppositedirection coacts with said `bias to keep said first and second gearsengaged, whereby the mechanical disadvantage of the high reductiongearing prevents reverse cam rotation.

19. A mechanical movement normally driven by a source of powercomprising, in combination: a first gear; a shaft having a co-rotatabledriving connection with said first gear; a relatively movable memberyieldably biased toward said first gear; a second gear rotatably carriedIby said member and yieldably en-gageable, under the influence of saidbias, with said iirst gear; and a speed reducing gear train having gearsall of which are substantially rigidly connected together as a train,said gear train directly and positively connecting the source of powerto drive said shaft in one direction through said second gear; saidmember being so constructed and arranged that when torque is manuallyapplied directly to said shaft and said first ygear in said onedirection, said member is forced by the coaction of the teeth of saidfirst and second gears to move against its bias to allow the teeth ofsaid first gear to slip one at a time withA respect to said second gear,thereby permitting manual rotation of said shaft, and that when a torqueis applied in the opposite direction to said shaft and said lirst gear,it coacts with said bias to keep said lfirst and said second gearsengaged, whereby the mechanical disadvantage of said gear train preventsmanual rotation of said shaft in a direction opposite to said onedirection.

20. A program timer for the electrical components of a device comprisingin combination: a rst program cam and a separately movable secondprogram cam;

switch means operated by each of said cams, and having means forconnection to the electrical components to be controlled; a pair ofdrive gears each respectively operative to rotate only one of said camsand rotatable therewith; and a mechanical movement means for rotatingonly said drive gear for said first program cam to a predeterminedposition, and thereafter rotating only said drive gear for said secondprogram cam.

21. A program timer for the electrical components of a device comprisingin combination: a rst program cam and a seperately movable secondprogram cam; switch means operated by each of said cams, and havingmeans for connection to the electrical components to lbe controlled; apair of drive ygears each respectively operative to rotate only one ofsaid cams; a pair of rotatable shafts each respectively drivinglyconnected to only one. of said cams for rotation thereof, each of saidshafts drivingly supporting one of said drive gears for rotationtherewith; and a mechanical movement means lfor rotating only said drivegear for said rst program cam to a predetermined position, andthereafter rotating only said drive gear for said second program cam.

22. A program timer for the electrical components of a device comprisingin combination: a stationary frame; a irst program cam and a separatelyrotatable second program cam disposed within said frame in axiallyspaced relation 4to each other, each of said cams being rotatableindependently of the other; switch means supported by said frameadjacent to each of said cams and each operated thereby, said switchmeans having means for connection to the electrical components to becontrolled; a pair of drive gears each respectively operative to rotateonly one of said cams; a pair of manually individually rotatable shaftseach respectively drivingly connected to only one of said cams forselectable rotation thereof, each of said shafts drivingly supportingone `of said drive gears for rotation therewith; one of said shafts`being axially hollow and being rotatably supported at its outer surfaceby said stationary frame, said one shaft rotatably receiving andsupporting directly within it the other of said shafts; and a mechanicalmovement 4-for rotating only said drive gear for said second programcam.

23. A program timer for the electrical components of a device comprisingin combination: a stationary frame; a rst program cam and a separatelyrotatable second program cam disposed within said frame in axiallyspaced relation to each other, at least one of Whichcams has a hubportion which is directly journalled at its outer periphery by saidstationary frame, `each of said cams being rotatable independently ofthe other; switch means supported by said frame adjacent to each of saidcams and each operated thereby, said switch means having means forconnection to the electrical components to be controlled; a pair ofdrive gears each respectively operative to rotate only one of said cams;a pair of manually individually rotatable shafts each respectivelydrivingly connected to only one of said cams for selectable rotationthereof, each of said shafts drivingly supporting one of said drivegears for rotation therewith; one of said shafts being axially hollowand being directly journalled at one end of its outer surface by saidstationary frame, said one shaft rotatably receiving and supportingdirectly within it the other of said shafts; and a mechanical movementfor rotating only said drive gear for said second program cam.

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